Certified Peer Support Specialist

La Causa, Inc.; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Birthday day off

Paid leave

Job summary

La Causa, Inc. is seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to provide one-on-one recovery support for youth and families. You will empower clients to identify strengths, build coping skills, and access community resources in a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.

You will work with clinicians and family teams, document progress, and ensure compliance with agency policies. Bilingual Spanish/English applicants are highly desirable, and a background in social services is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field (Required).
• Master’s degree in social work or related field (Highly Preferred).
• Experience in community-based support is preferred.
• Strong intercultural and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual Spanish and English is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Engage youth and families to identify recovery goals.
• Link youth to community resources and supports.
• Assist in crisis management and safety planning.
• Collaborate with clinicians and care coordinators on care plans.
• Document activities and progress regularly.
• Maintain professional and respectful team communications.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Documentation skills

Verbal communication

Organizational abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work

Master's degree in social work

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Salary Range: $35,796.28 to $40,145.56

La Causa Social Services is committed to empowering youth and young adults with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs as well as their families through compassion, collaboration, and community-based support.

Why Join La Causa, Inc.?

• Meaningful work that supports youth and families on their path to recovery
• Collaboration with experienced and compassionate professionals
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Comprehensive benefits and paid leave—including a day off for your birthday!

Your Role:

As a Certified Peer Specialist, you will provide one-on-one support to youth and families engaged in recovery services. You will empower youth to identify their strengths, build coping skills, and access the community resources they need to thrive—all while fostering trust, self-advocacy, and independence.

What You’ll Do:

• Facilitate Individual Support – Engage youth in setting and achieving their recovery goals through strength-based, trauma-informed approaches.
• Provide Community Connection – Link youth and families to community resources, supports, and networks that enhance recovery and independence.
• Assist in Crisis Management – Support individuals in developing effective strategies to manage challenges and crises.
• Promote Team Collaboration – Partner with clinicians, care coordinators, and families to support the youth’s care plan and progress.
• Empower Youth and Families – Encourage skill-building, problem-solving, and self-direction.
• Ensure Compliance – Follow all agency, legal, and contractual requirements, including timely documentation and reporting.
• Build Relationships – Maintain open communication and positive connections with youth, families, and team members.
• Mandated Reporting – Carry out duties as a mandated reporter in alignment with laws and organizational policies.
• Professional Development – Attend meetings, training, and supervision to continue learning and improving skills.
• Be a Team Player – Collaborate with team members to ensure coordinated, high-quality services.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field (Required)
• Master’s degree in social work or related field (Highly Preferred)
• At least one (1) year of experience providing community-based support
• Strong cultural competency and interpersonal skills
• Bilingual (Spanish and English), spoken and written (Highly Desirable)
• Excellent verbal, written, and documentation skills
• Strong critical thinking and organizational abilities; able to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Must successfully complete and pass all background checks, including an annual influenza vaccination
• Transportation, valid Wisconsin driver’s license, state minimum auto insurance, and must meet La Causa, Inc. driving standards
• Strong cultural competency and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities across diverse audiences.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with sound judgment.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Reliable transportation, valid Wisconsin driver’s license, state minimum auto insurance, and ability to meet La Causa, Inc. driving standards.
• Must successfully complete and pass all required background checks, including an annual influenza vaccination.
• Must successfully pass all required pre-employment screenings, including a drug screen.
• Work takes place in both community and office settings (local travel required)
• This role offers a supportive and balanced schedule with no weekend shifts and limited evening hours, carefully determined by the needs of the families we serve.

Physical Demands:

• The employee is regularly required to drive, stand, sit, reach, stoop, bend, and walk.
• Frequent talking, hearing, and seeing required, finger dexterity necessary.
• Infrequent lifting (such as files) may occur.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

La Causa, Inc., founded in 1972, is one of Wisconsin's largest bilingual, multicultural agencies. Our mission is to provide children, youth and families with quality, comprehensive services to nurture healthy family life and enhance community stability. We have several divisions that provide vital services to the community including Crisis Nursery & Respite Center, Early Education & Care Center, La Causa Charter School, Social Services: Adult Services and Youth Services, and Administration. At the heart of our mission is the dedicated staff that welcomes all into Familia La Causa and serves the children and families of Milwaukee.

You can learn more about La Causa at https://lacausa.org/about-us/